HARDY FLOWERS FROM SEED 



FEW pastimes are more interesting than that of raising plants 

 from seed. When a plant is purchased, and the colour of 

 its flower is known, we are exactly acquainted with what to 

 expect, but in raising from seed this is not always so. There 

 is joy in anticipation. Amongst the seedlings may occur a 

 jewel brighter than anything already in gardens. Such 

 prizes occur more amongst some races than others ; Carna- 

 tions, as an example, occasionally giving a prize amidst, of 

 course, many blanks. Even when the flower raised is not 

 likely to startle the world, there is satisfaction in know- 

 ing that this good garden plant was " one of my own raising " ; 

 it has an especial merit in the raiser's eyes, and prompts him 

 to further endeavours. 



In offering a few simple remarks on raising of seedlings, 

 a few groups of the more popular kinds may well serve as 

 general examples. It must be clearly understood that the 

 chances of a seed growing after it is placed in the soil depend 

 upon its vitality. That is to say, a life-long experience in 

 gardening or the raising of seedlings avails nothing if the seed 

 is devoid of the germinating power viz., the power to repro- 

 duce itself. 



Some of the most popular plants raised from seeds are 

 Carnations, Auriculas, Polyanthuses, Primroses, Anemones, 

 Ranunculus, and so forth. 



Soil is undoubtedly the most important consideration. 

 Where possible there will be a desire to go to the nearest 

 florist to obtain soil of the right sort, but in many cases this 

 is impossible, and the common soil of the garden must be used. 

 Take some of this, pass it through the ordinary cinder sifter, 

 mix with it some finely sifted ashes when no sand is available, 

 and put it for a week in a large box, or other dry and con- 

 venient place. If the soil be moist and sticky, it must be 

 fairly dry before it is fit for use, and this is accomplished by 

 spreading it out thinly to allow the moisture to evaporate, or 

 by adding some dust dry coal ashes. The orthodox compost 

 for sowing fine seeds should consist of loam, leaf-mould, and 

 sand, the last two being intended to enrich the soil, and render 



it more or less pervious to moisture. Such a mixture is not 



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